Spanning 2.3 million acres (930,000 hectares), Misty Fjords National Monument is best experienced from the air. Your Alaskan adventure starts at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau across from the port. After meeting your experienced pilot and boarding your six-passenger floatplane, take off from the Tongass Narrows, the Y-shaped body of water between Ketchikan and Gravina Island.

Rising up in the air, gaze down on Ketchikan from your window seat, and marvel at the views of Tongass National Forest and the surrounding mountains as you fly over Revillagigedo Island to Misty Fjords National Monument, about 40 miles (64 km) east of town. During the ride, you’ll hear your pilot loud and clear via your headset, which also provides a musical soundtrack to your journey.

Soar over Rudyard Bay to see New Eddystone Rock, a basalt remnant of the area’s early volcanic activity. Continue your flight to admire waterfalls, lakes, fjords, cliffs through the low-hanging mist that gives the area its name. Your pilot will also help you look for wildlife such as bears, deer, wolves, mountain goats and eagles that live within the forest of cedar, spruce and hemlock trees.

The aerial views aren't the only thing that will take your breath away. A dramatic water landing on one of the fjords or lakes, depending on weather conditions, puts you right in the middle of a tranquil forest. Hop out on one of the plane’s pontoons with your pilot to take in the incredible scenery before returning to Ketchikan, where your tour ends.